Hi guys
I have been using Android Auto for a couple of months now and I noticed that Android Auto has problems to understand what I am saying while driving. I don't have this problem when I use voice commands with the standard navigation on my headunit so I started wondering: does Android Auto use the microphone of the headunit? Or is it only using the built-in microphone of my phone?
That would at least explain why Android Auto has so much difficulties to understand what I'm saying while driving. If AA uses the microphone of my phone, is there any way to force AA to use the microphone of my headunit?
I'm not right sure on this. I use a Pioneer head unit with AA and if using Google maps it seems to understand fine but when I use voice commands to play an artist or playlist in Google music then the 'assistant' behaves like a complete idiot. I suspect it uses the head unit mike as mine is just behind the steering column where the phone is tucked away in front of gearstick.
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Hey all, I'm wondering if it's possible to use iPod for music while in Android Auto for navigation at same time? I enjoy having my music specifically on the iPod in case I drive through a no cell signal area for example so I'm curious if this is possible with any of the Android Auto head units. Trying to decide on which one to buy right now and this is an important function I wanted to make sure works in whichever I get.
I don't use my iPod, but have all my music on USB, it is no problem to play that and still use AA, just swap modes using the mode button.
Solutions Etcetera said:
I don't use my iPod, but have all my music on USB, it is no problem to play that and still use AA, just swap modes using the mode button.
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oh ok so you can listen to music on USB while AA is navigating for example with no issue? like they'll run at the same time? which head unit are you running? thanks!
Yup. HU=4100NEX
justinope said:
oh ok so you can listen to music on USB while AA is navigating for example with no issue? like they'll run at the same time? which head unit are you running? thanks!
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Actually a lot of dual zone head unit can achieve that, you may search Pumpkin Andorid car stereo, they sell a range of devices that runs Andorid system. I used one of the unit in my car for now, and everything runs good!
So I installed the 4100nex and mapped the audio controls to my 2005 Altima SE-R steering wheel controls but It doesn't have a microphone button. So every time I want to search for something I have to touch the mic button on the head unit while using android auto. I DON'T want to have to do this and was wondering why OK Google won't work even after setting my M8 to always listen for the commands? Does android auto app automatically turn off that function when connected to the HU? I am sure other folks with cars without microphone buttons and android auto head units have similar issues?
Thanks!
search the mtc keys thread and you'll will find your answer
If this is the answer than I am assuming the OK Google always listening isn't supported within Android auto.
it's not, but if you used an imaestro datalink for the steering wheel you can reprogram it and set a button for the mic
mburke178 said:
it's not, but if you used an imaestro datalink for the steering wheel you can reprogram it and set a button for the mic
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Nope it's a pac audio swi-rc. I thought Android auto was supposed to be true hands free but but I guess not if have to push a button to activate it. A little dissapponting. I've contacted google and asked about it. Well see what they say. Maybe an app update could add it.
Hello, I'm using Android Auto 3.1.581054 on my Honor 8 smartphone, and the Sync3 v3.0 multimedia system on a Ford Fiesta mk8.
If I don't use AA, i can push the voice activation button on the steering wheel, and dictate commands to access some of the car's functions (for example, change FM radio station).
When i connect my smartphone via USB and enable AA (e.g., to use google maps on the car's screen), the google assistant overtakes the steering wheel voice activation button; I can therefore only use it to dictate Android functions on the phone (maps directions, send whatsapp message, etc). I can't control via voice the car's functions anymore, at least until I disconnect the USB cable, because obviously Android knows and can nothing about the car's FM radio or whatever.
This is a very unfortunate behaviour, because to change the FM radio channel I now have to fiddle with the car's touch screen controls, that is very distracting while driving.
Is there a way to manage this problem? I heard that, on some previous versions (of what? AA? Sync3?), pushing the steering wheel voice activation button once triggered the car's Sync3 recognition, while pushing it for 3 seconds would trigger the google assistant recognition. Is it true? What happened to this function? E.g., see https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/android-auto/SNCguGKYiZE
Doesn't answer your direct question, but I'm also using a Mk8 Fiesta, and wanted to point out that if you're already on one of Radio audio sources you can use the steering wheel next and previous track buttons to switch between stations within the preset group you're in. I've only tried this on DAB but it probably works on FM as well.
I've also found that sometimes it's possible to select whichever source and station you would like from a list using the steering wheel menu button (provided you're looking at the audio screen on the instrument cluster - not sure if all the trims have this functionality?). This works all the time without Android Auto connected, and sometimes when you're within Android Auto, but not always. I think this might be to do with starting up a radio source before connecting the phone, and making sure not to start any audio playing within Android Auto. Haven't had chance to properly test this yet.
Let me know if you discover any tricks!
Is there a way to run android auto with ALL functionality on a tablet? I mean connect the phone to the tablet (ie through headunit reloaded) without sacrificing hand free calling? I want the audio of the tablet to go to the car stereo via bluetooth. Headunit reloaded is great but has its limitations. I answered a phone call and the sound came through the phone not the tablet. I want it to play through the car speakers and use the car's microphone. Is there a way to do this?
Also, has anyone messed around with the newer kia navigation headunits? They're android based but they have a custom launcher/overlay. Has anyone dumped the apk for the factory interface to be installed on another device? Does this sound possible or am I dreaming?
This one is really annoying me - with my new Dacia Jogger, I've found that Android Auto always thinks I'm driving, even when parked, with the engine off. The problem with this is some navigation apps completely disable the ability to search for a destination, so I can't progam in a route once I'm connected! Also Gameshack is disabled because AA thinks I'm driving too.
There any way to fix this or stop AA from disabling interactions?
Your headunit has a wire connected to the handbrake sensor in your car, and this way it knows if you're parked and can't restrict some activities. This information is passed from the headunit's firmware to Android Auto internally, and this way Android Auto can restrict or allow you to do some stuff like use the touchpad, use certain buttons, etc.
In order to save money (or due to a bad Android Auto implementation), some headunits don't send handbrake status information to Android Auto. This way you can use the onscreen voice button all the time (in the lower corner of Android Auto) even if the car is moving, but the downside is that some Android Features get broken, like Gamesnacks or alphabetic search in lists. They can do this for a number of reasons, like not having a dedicated voice button in the steering wheel or headunit, but it's not the ideal case.
I suggest you to find other people with the same car model and see if their cars behave in the same way. If so, then this is a headunit problem and the carmaker should release a fix. If this only happens in your car, I would check if there's a wiring issue in the handbrake or something similar is happening.
you might also want to check if there's some settings menu in your headunit with some option to check this.
You can also try to sync a new phone over bluetooth to your car headunit while parked. If it refuses because the car is moving (even if is not) then it could be a wiring issue.